Due to strong economic growth, steady increases in population and consistently low unemployment the vibrancy of communities across Toowoomba, Western Downs and surrounding regions “is palpable”, says Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) CEO Ali Davenport.
She said TSBE is a business-driven economic development organisation driving sustainable growth and diversity for the region.
“Thanks to unprecedented investment, lifestyle and employment opportunities in the areas we operate, promoting this region to the rest of Australia and the world has never been easier,” Ms Davenport said.
She said success in this region is “contagious”.
“Our Gross Regional Product is at $17 billion with 2017 figures showing a combined 24 per cent increase compared to 2016.”
She said the Western Downs region represents 14.2pc of the increase alone.
“Thanks to 15 approved solar developments and arguably the southern hemisphere’s largest windfarm at Coopers Gap, Western Downs Regional Council have cultivated an ideal environment for investment and a reputation as the Energy Capital of Qld.’’
She said Toowoomba’s economic prosperity is also underpinned by ongoing solid investment evidenced by TSBE’s last Development Status Report which measured more than $14 billion worth of development at various stages of the investment pipeline across property and construction, energy and mining, agriculture and infrastructure.
“Despite this sizeable investment, Toowoomba’s biggest asset has always been its people and, as a service centre for this thriving regional Qld footprint, our population is projected to increase by approximately 25pc between 2016 and 2036.”
Innovation and opportunity
Federal Member for Groom, John McVeigh said across Australia, the Toowoomba/Darling Downs region has become synonymous with innovation, entrepreneurship, growth and opportunity.
“Our established reputation as a place of quality schools, rich farming land and expert medical services has been drastically expanded – with the region now offering untapped potential for business and lifestyle,” Mr McVeigh said.
Both public and private sector investment have played a key role in delivering the crucial infrastructure needed to support a region on the rise.
“There are the landmark projects like the privately funded Wellcamp Airport; and the $1.6 billion (80pc Federal and 20pc State Government funded) Toowoomba Second Range Crossing.
“Inland Rail will soon transform freight transport through our region, and a business case study is underway exploring options for passenger rail from Toowoomba to Brisbane.”
He said superfast broadband has been delivered across most of the region.
“Technology is becoming one of the region’s strengths with the $40 million Pulse Data Centre recently opening its doors in Toowoomba, designed to be the start of a Technology Park for the city.”
Mr McVeigh said it’s a “great privilege” to represent the community in Federal Parliament.
“With visionary citizens, proactive governments, growing industries and caring communities the future of this region looks bright indeed.”
Water is key
Federal Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud said the region has a lot to be proud of in the agricultural sector, and that when it rains, the community will drive the regions’ economy “to the next level”.
“However, to sustain our industry in times of drought, it’s important we invest in good water infrastructure,” Mr Littleproud said.
He said the Coalition Federal Government committed an extra $36.9 million, over six years, to extend the Great Artesian Basin bore capping program (GABSI).
“The GABSI investment will see free flowing and abandoned bores plugged and piped, saving water, to ensure the Basin continues to play a critical role in helping farmers and communities survive drought.
“$72 million has also been committed to the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund (NWIDF) for water infrastructure in drought-affected areas.
“This funding is part of the Government’s $2.6 billion commitment to developing new water infrastructure through the NWIDF and the National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility.”
Mr Littleproud said under the GABSI and National Water Infrastructure investments, eight projects across the nation are underway or have been completed and funding has been committed to a further three projects.
“These investments are in addition to the $1.8 billion in drought funding under the Coalition Government since 2013.
He said while they “can’t make it rain”, the Federal Government will continue listening and acting to support people on the ground.
A landscape of diverse activity
The electorate of Condamine in the heart of the Darling Downs, has historically produced a wealth of indigenous pastures and was first grazed by sheep in 1840. Member for Condamine, Pat Weir said today, the landscape is vastly different.
“Pulses, cotton, cereals, grains and a variety of horticultural crops are grown, while pigs, poultry, cattle and sheep production is well established and has flourished,” Mr Weir said.
He said the Darling Downs is home to an ever increasing number of horticultural producers successfully selling their products to niche markets locally and globally.
“The community is seeking out healthy chemical-free products to feed our families with, and want to know more about where their food comes from and how it’s produced.
“Smaller farming holdings are starting to reuse techniques from yesteryear and have returned to selling at the farm gate and local markets, while utilising online marketing options.”
“The saying, from little things big things grow, could not be truer.”
